Young Gaels speak openly about returning to their roots
A new radio show is meeting young Gaels who are forging their own paths back to the Highlands and islands, bucking the trend of young people leaving and staying away.
Falbh is Tilleadh, created by BBC Radio nan Gaidheal’s Megan MacLellan who has also come back to the Highlands from Glasgow, hears from returners about the choices they have made, the opportunities they are embracing and the challenges they face.
It is not all smooth sailing, and in these interviews they speak openly and honestly about the struggles they face, and what changes those in power could make to improve things and make life that little bit easier.
First to feature on the show on Monday May 22 was Innes MacQueen who returned to his home island of Luing after remote working opportunities meant he could work from home with a Gaelic development agency.
Innes shared air space with Ross Christie who lives in Oban with his partner having been brought up in a more rural village. It was while living in Glasgow during lockdown that he hatched the plan to move out of the city and finds Oban a good base. He uses public transport as much as possible to travel around the country for work.
Listeners tuning in to next Monday’s show, May 29, will hear how Eilidh CameronSykes returned to her Lochaber roots to be based in Ballachulish and set up a small clothing business.
On the June 5 show, returners to Lewis and Harris will be telling their stories and on June 12 it will be the turn of two women who have made Skye their home. Series’ creator Megan said: “As part of my research, I spoke to a number of young people in different corners of the Highlands and islands, and those still living in the city with a desire to return, each with a unique story. They have returned for many reasons, but firmly believe that they can thrive where they are. What they have in common is a strong connection to the community in which they were raised, something they want others to experience in the future.”